5 DIY Flavors Your Vodka Really Needs

Infusing liquor is incredible easy; most of the work is just sitting back and waiting for it to be done. Most of these flavors come through after just 24 hours, but the longer you wait, the more pronounced the flavors will be.

Make sure you get some sterile jars, a strainer, and a funnel. Vodka's clear color and lack of flavor makes it a perfect base for infusions, but feel free to experiment with other liquors if you like. Bacon bourbon, anyone?

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Bacon Vodka

While we wouldn't recommend drinking straight shots, try it in your next Bloody Mary.

MAKE IT: Pour 2 cups vodka into medium mason jar. Cook 4 thick slices bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and reserve for another use or snack on it. Add 2 teaspoons of bacon drippings to the vodka. Cover tightly, shake, and let stand at room temperature for 6 hours. Freeze the jar for 30 minutes. Line mesh strainer with cheesecloth and strain vodka into a large bowl. Funnel the vodka back into the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

Katie Friedman

Bubblegum Vodka

This fluorescent elixir looks and tastes like your childhood bubblegum dreams. For a grown-up soda pop, stir into club soda.

MAKE IT: Pour 3 cups of vodka into a large mason jar. Chop 1 cup of bubblegum (like Double Bubble) and place in a jar. Let it sit overnight to infuse the vodka, before straining it and funneling it into jar.

Katie Friedman

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Chai Vodka

This one will warm you from the inside out. Stir into iced tea or sip it slowly if you like things spicy.

MAKE IT: Pour 3 cups of vodka into a large mason jar. Add 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 tablespoon of chopped crystallized ginger, 7 crushed cardamom pods, 8 black peppercorns, and 10 cloves to the vodka. Seal and steep for 48 hours. Strain and funnel the vodka back into the jar.

Katie Friedman

Spicy Chile Vodka

This vodka absorbs the smokiness of the dried arbol chiles, giving it a whiskey-like flavor. Another good one for your Bloody Mary.

MAKE IT: Pour 2 cups of vodka into a medium mason jar. Seed and stem 2 dried arbol chiles. Tear into pieces and add to the vodka. Pour vodka over top and seal tightly. Let the chiles infuse for 3 days. Strain and funnel the vodka back into the jar.

Katie Friedman

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Lavender Vodka

Toast warm weather with this floral elixir, which pairs perfectly with an ice cold lemonade or a splash bubbly lemony soda.

MAKE IT: Pour 3 cups of vodka into a large mason jar. Add 2 tablespoons culinary lavender buds and infuse the mixture for 48 hours. Strain the vodka and funnel it back into the jar.